Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Lima, Peru

About Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt (The American School of Lima), is a well-known, independent, non-profit K-12 international school located in Lima, Peru.


Visit the school’s website for more details and information.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

There are pros and cons of working at this school – and families need to go in with their eyes open. If you’ve got older children, it could be challenging given it’s not a true ‘international school’. But some kids may thrive. The package is good (with housing allowance) and many families love Lima – but most families will want to live in Miraflores, which is a long way from La Molina where the school is located.

Overall compensation package rating

Good package for the region and you won’t be required to pay any tax. The salary should support a family, although if you’re on a single wage your savings may be modest (depending on your lifestyle).

Tuition benefits

Full tuition covered for up to two dependents – subject to space and availability.

Housing

The school provides a housing allowance as part of your package. The allowance is based on your family size (e.g. couple with family receive a larger allowance than a single teacher).

Flights

Flights are provided at the beginning and end of each contract for teachers and their families. There is also an annual home leave allowance included in the package.

Healthcare

International health coverage is provided for teachers and their dependents – including dental.

Adjustment for kids

The school is predominantly made up of Peruvian students, which can make adjustment more challenging for kids. Even if your children speak Spanish it can be difficult to fit in.

Average class sizes

Class sizes average 20 students across all year groups.

Teaching experience required

Teachers are required to hold formal teaching qualifications and at least three years teaching experience.

Curriculum

International Baccalaureate and American system.

Retirement/pension benefits

Teachers are required to pay into a Peruvian pension fund which is matched by the school (10%).

School history & stability

The school has a strong history, starting in 1946.

Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt- Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance for teacher and dependents
  • Settling in allowance
  • Contract renewal benefit
  • Personal leave days
  • Unlimited sick leave

What Teachers are Saying Online About Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Like most schools in Lima it’s all style and no substance. It’s for rich Peruvians and very few expat students. The pay is good and it’s the only school in Lima that provides a housing allowance.

CURRENT TEACHER, FDR

it’s not the kind of place you want to bring your non-Peruvian children. If you don’t have kids, it could be decent. But your kids won’t be accepted. Even if they speak Spanish fluently, they’re never going to be a part of the Peruvian elite.

EX TEACHER AT FDR

It’s probably one of the top two schools in Peru, but I’m not sure if that means much to be honest. The kids are rich and privileged, and there’s little to no motivation to excel.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, COLEGIO FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT
Spot billed duck relaxing on the water in La Molina, Peru
Andean woman selling homemade dolls in Lima, Peru
Scenic view of the lighthouse at Miraflores, Lima surrounded by trees overlooking the ocean - you can visit if you work at Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

One thing to be really clear about is that it’s not an international school. There aren’t any in Lima. While there are probably more international students at this school than any other in Lima, they’re still the minority. It’s a bilingual school for (very) rich Peruvians. Children who aren’t Peruvian may struggle with bullying and racism.

EX TEACHER, FDR

Roosavelt is located in La Molina, which is about a 45 minute commute (on a good day) from where you’ll likely be living. Traffic is horrendous and driving is an experience. But you can make good money and be able to travel in holidays.

CURRENT TEACHER AT FDR

It’s very segmented (locals vs international students) and very rarely do the two interact. The pedagogy is also very old fashioned. While many schools in Lima are adopting the IB they don’t necessarily have the pedagogical knowledge or skills to implement it.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, FDR

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Lima is generally safe for expat families, especially in neighborhoods like Miraflores, San Isidro, and La Molina. Like most big cities though petty crime like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and car break-ins can be an issue. Take basic precautions and stay alert, especially at night. And use ride share apps rather than hailing taxis where possible.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – Spanish is the main language in Lima. While English English is spoken at international schools, it’s less common in day-to-day interactions so learning Spanish will definitely help. Locals are friendly, but adjusting to the slower pace of services, bureaucratic processes, and traffic can take time.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Local goods, services, and food are reasonably priced, and eating out can be quite affordable. But imported products are expensive, and housing in expat-friendly areas can be expensive. Families aiming for a Western-style standard of living may find their overall budget creeping higher than expected.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) has a strong history, dating back to 1946. It offers a U.S.-style education to students from age 3 through Grade 12. The school is accredited by Cognia and recognised by the Peruvian Ministry of Education. It’s also designated by the U.S. State Department as the official Office of Overseas Education school in Peru. While the majority of students are local, there are some expat students (predominantly US diplomats) who attend the school.

The curriculum is a combination of U.S. and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. Instruction is primarily in English, with French and Spanish also offered. FDR emphasizes student leadership, service learning, and academic performance. Students can participate in a wide choice of extracurricular activities, like athletics, environmental initiatives, academic competitions, and student government.

There are just over 1,500 students at the school with class sizes averaging 20 kids per class. Most graduates pursue higher education, often at top global universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Brown and King’s College London. The teaching staff are made up of local and expat teachers from around the world.

Teachers receive a competitive package with tax-free salaries based on your experience. Teacher benefits include international health insurance that includes dental, life, and emergency evacuation. There is also a monthly housing allowance provided in addition to your salary, and moving and settling-in allowances. Annual return flights are provided for teachers and eligible dependents, along with tuition waivers for up to two dependent children per teacher.

The school offers a generous retirement plan with a 10% salary match into a Peruvian pension fund, and early contract renewal bonuses of $5,000 for those who commit by November. The school is considered one of the top international schools in Latin America. It has excellent facilities, and its location in Lima offers access to Peru’s mountains, beaches, and rich cultural history.

Do you currently teach at Roosevelt? If so we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to share your experience with us!

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